‘Match reports’

“With untried youngsters Tyler Blackett and Jesse Lingard in the line-up, United looked uncertain in Van Gaal’s favoured 3-4-1-2 formation and at half-time the manager abandoned it, reverting to a 4-2-3-1 shape. But although United equalised through new captain Wayne Rooney, Sigurdsson soon restored Swansea’s lead and the hosts’ attempts to find a second equaliser were incoherent. Juan Mata was largely anonymous, despite the fact that United’s new system is designed partly to give the Spanish playmaker optimal conditions in which to work. And with Marouane Fellaini — gangling symbol of Moyes’s failures — thrown on to chase high balls into the Swansea box, the final stages of the game resembled the darkest days of the previous campaign.”

My piece for AFP on why Manchester United’s opening-day defeat by Swansea City suggests that Louis van Gaal will not be able to revive their fortunes overnight can be read here.

“Sao Paulo (AFP) – Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero saved two penalties in a shootout with the Netherlands on Wednesday to take his country through to the World Cup final for the first time since 1990.”

My AFP match report on the ‘other’ 2014 World Cup semi-final can be read here.

“Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – James Rodríguez knocked Luis Suarez out of the headlines with an exquisite goal as Colombia beat Uruguay 2-0 on Saturday to set up a World Cup quarter-final against hosts Brazil.”

My AFP report on the night James Rodríguez electrified the Maracanã can be read here.

“Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Lionel Messi scored a trademark individual goal as Argentina opened their World Cup campaign with a narrow 2-1 win over Bosnia-Hercegovina at Rio de Janeiro’s renovated Maracanã on Sunday.”

My AFP report on the night Messi illuminated the Maracanã can be read here.

“Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester City are within touching distance of the Premier League title after overwhelming Aston Villa 4-0 on Wednesday to close to within a point of the championship.”

My AFP match report from a soggy but satisfied Etihad Stadium can be read here.